Kudermetova and Mertens Reach Madrid Open Final with Comeback

MADRID, Spain — Veronika Kudermetova and Elise Mertens advanced to the final of the 2025 Mutua Madrid Open after a thrilling comeback against Victoria Azarenka and Ashlyn Krueger on May 2.

Known for their strong partnership, Kudermetova and Mertens faced an uphill battle in the semi-final match. Azarenka and Krueger took the first set 6-4, establishing an early lead. Kudermetova and Mertens struggled to break their opponents’ serve, but a change in momentum began in the second set.

After a tense exchange of breaks in the first set, Mertens managed to break Azarenka’s serve in the opening game of the second set. The dynamic duo held their serves from there, matching Azarenka and Krueger’s performance and winning the second set 6-4.

The they entered a super-tiebreak to decide the match. Despite falling behind by four points at 6-2, Kudermetova and Mertens rallied and won eight of the next ten points. They closed out the tiebreak on their first match point, securing their spot in the final.

This marks the first final in Madrid for both Kudermetova and Mertens since reuniting for this tournament after two and a half years away from playing together. The pair previously captured the title at the 2022 WTA Finals and are looking for their first trophy as a team this week.

The final match will see them face the winner of the other semi-final between Hsieh–Ostapenko and Cirstea–Kalinskaya. Only Hsieh from that match has previous success in Madrid.